The Hartman Chair in Catholic Studies at Hofstra University

Catholic Studies at Hofstra originated with members of the Long Island community who wished to honor Monsignor Thomas J. Hartman, a beloved and accomplished priest, media personality, and former co-host (with Rabbi Marc Gellman) of the nationally syndicated column and television series "The God Squad."

"Father Tom" is known for his lifelong commitment to educational, interfaith, charitable and social justice ventures on Long Island and beyond. He recently retired in order to devote full-time effort to raising funds for research on Parkinson's Disease. Please visit the Thomas Hartman Center for Parkinson's Research for more information.

Due to the efforts of Monsignor Hartman, the Long Island community, Hofstra University, and the Department of Religion, in 2006 Dr. Julie Byrne joined the faculty as the first Hartman Catholic Studies chair. Dr. Byrne is an historian and ethnographer of American Catholicism who teaches a variety of topics in U.S. religion and culture. Catholic Studies at Hofstra was designed to emphasize continuity with the robust liberal arts and sciences tradition of the Department of Religion and the Hofstra faculty across disciplines. Dr. Byrne works closely with colleagues Drs. Ann Burlein, Balbinder Singh Bhogal, Santiago Slabodsky and John Teehan to lead Catholic Studies.